Lam was welcomed at Wattay International Airport by Head of the Office of the President of Laos Khemmani Pholsena, Vientiane Governor Atsaphangthong Siphandone; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Bounleua ​​Phandanouvong; Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh; and other Lao officials.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung and officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos were also present to welcome the President.

This is Lam’s first overseas business trip in his new position after he was elected President of Vietnam in May 2024.

The visit aims to concretise Vietnam’s consistent policy of valuing and giving the highest priority to the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos.

The visit takes places at a time when the two Parties and states are vigorously implementing their Party Congress resolution and socio-economic development plans with remarkable results recorded in multiple areas.

In addition, the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Laos is developing positively, with agreements reached by senior leaders of the two countries being actively implemented.

Vietnam and Laos established diplomatic ties in September 1962. Both countries have signed a number of cooperation agreements in various areas. Their two-way trade turnover hit nearly US$780 million in the first five months of 2024, representing a year on year rise of 11%.

Vietnam currently has 241 investment projects in Laos with a total registered capital of more than US$5.5 billion.

The two countries have closely coordinated and supported each other at regional and international cooperation forums, including ASEAN, the United Nations and sub-regional mechanisms. In particular, Vietnam is actively supporting Laos in successfully assuming its role as ASEAN Chairmanship and AIPA 45 Chairmanship in 2024.

VOV